In the ensuing two months, the losses continue to pile up at a near
record-setting pace for the rebuilding Timberwolves (5-29). Coming off
back-to-back national championships at Florida, Brewer and his fellow
former Gator Richard are having to deal with something they’re not used
to on a basketball court – losing.

"We’ve lost more games already this season than I lost in my last seven
years of basketball," Brewer said Thursday after practice.

Wolves coach Randy Wittman said Ratliff, a veteran center who had right knee surgery Dec. 18 and has missed the past 27 games, is expected to return to the Twin
Cities next week. Ratliff has been in Atlanta rehabilitating the knee.
He likely will be sidelined until early February.

In the wake of abysmal TV ratings, viewers of Friday’s broadcast of the
Timberwolves-Rockets game from Houston on KSTC Channel 45 will hear
something different. Wolves analyst Jim Petersen, who played four
seasons for the Rockets, will broadcast for Houston viewers during the
second quarter while Wolves viewers will hear Rockets analyst Clyde
Drexler.

January is a special month for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation
and sponsor American Family Insurance. Throughout WolvesCare month, the
focus is on events that service, support and encourage Minnesota youth
suffering from terminal or long-term illness.